Myers Demoted

Since last Friday night, we have debated the issue: What should the Phillies do about Brett Myers? Well, now we have our answer. Yesterday, the Phillies finally addressed the stuggles of their Opening Day starter by optioning Brett to their AAA affliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Personally, I think the Phillies made the correct move in this situation. Look at the options. They could have tried to trade Brett before the July 31st trade deadline, but, most likely, they couldn't command a quality return for the right-hander. Just a hunch, but I would venture to say most teams aren't knocking down the door for a 3-9 pitcher with a 5.84 ERA. Many also wondered if the Phils would move Brett to the bullpen where he pitched extremely well last season. While I agree Brett's pitching mentality resides more along the lines of a relief pitcher, the Phils made the correct decision in not disrupting the chemistry of a bullpen, which has actually held its own thus far this season. Instead, Brett's time with the IronPigs will allow him to work through his season-long problems while, hopefully, simultaneously give him back the confidence he once possessed.

As to how long Brett will spend in Lehigh, no one really knows. In his blog, Daily News beat writer, David Murphy, reports Charlie Manual initially said Brett could make as many as 3 or 4 starts for the IronPigs but GM, Pat Gillick, indicated Brett could return to the big club before the All-Star break. Frankly, the Phillies shouldn't rush this. Let Brett use his time in Lehigh to get some quality starts under his belt and clear his head of the demons from the first half of the season.

We won't have to wait long to see how Brett fairs in his new, albeit temporary, digs. He starts tonight for the IronPigs against former Phils AAA affliate Scranton/WB.